Pineda has positive start; Yanks beat Orioles 6-0

By MARK DIDTLER -
Associated Press -
Thursday, March 13, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Michael Pineda had his second straight positive outing in his bid to become the Yankees’ fifth starter, striking out five over 2 2-3 shutout innings as a New York split squad beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-0 Thursday.

Pineda, who missed the past two seasons after right shoulder surgery, has nine strikeouts in 4 2-3 scoreless innings overall. He allowed three hits and a walk against the Orioles.

The 25-year-old right-hander is competing with David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno for the final rotation spot behind CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Masahiro Tanaka and Ivan Nova.

Brett Gardner had an RBI double off Bud Norris, who gave up three runs and four hits in 1 2-3 innings. He struck out two and walked two during a 60-pitch outing.

“I felt good,” Norris said. “That was the number one thing. I didn’t feel that I was that wild, but I threw competitiive pitches that were pretty close. Had a good plan. I just felt like I was close to the corners, but just not quite getting them.”

Norris had given up three hits over five scoreless innings over his first two appearances.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Orioles: Catcher Matt Wieters could return this weekend after spraining his right ankle running the bases Tuesday.